Support Safer Biking On Roads And Bridges

From MassBike

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This Wednesday, December 14th, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will consider an amendment to S. 1950 introduced by Senator Begich of Alaska. This amendment would require federally-funded surface transportation projects (like roads and bridges) to be designed for all users, including bicyclists and pedestrians. Many road and bridge projects are built with federal dollars, so this affects all of us! Our own Senator Kerry is on the Commerce Committee, so please contact him TODAY and let him know you support safer roads in Massachusetts and around the country.

We previously wrote about the bill under consideration, and our biggest concern is that it could mean up to a 30% cut in federal bike infrastructure funding. This amendment will ensure that roads and bridges are designed for the safety of all users, regardless of how much funding is available.

Please take action today:

1. Call and/or email Senator Kerry TODAY, tell him why bicycling is important to you, and ask him to SUPPORT Senator Begich’s amendment to S. 1950 for safer roads.

Senator John Kerry: (202) 224-2742, Email (select “Transportation” as Topic)

Don’t have time to write your own email? Click here to send a pre-written email message.
2. Email [email protected] and let us know you contacted them!

Every single call or email matters, so please act today!

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Street Talk: Will Our River Crossing Be Bridges Or Barriers?

by LivableStreets board members Ken Kruckemeyer, Steve Miller & Charlie Denison

Tues, Nov 9, 7:00-9:00 pm
@ LivableStreets office, 100 Sidney St, Cambridge [map… ]

Open to the public. $5-$10 suggested donation.

Bridges connect communities, are vital links in our transportation network, and carry all users. Currently many of our bridges discourage walking and bicycling due to lack of sidewalks and bicycling facilities, speeding cars, dangerous on/off intersections, and poor connections to parklands. Today we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to redesign them to encourage all modes of transportation to support a vibrant urban life, and mobility for all people to live, work, and play. What we do in the next couple of years will effect generations to come.

Why now? The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is overseeing the reconstruction of the Craigie, Longfellow, BU, Anderson, River St, and Western Ave bridges over the next six years as part of the State’s $3 billion Accelerated Bridge Program (ABP).

Come to the StreetTalk to learn about LivableStreets efforts to create better bridges in our region – from vision to implementation. See examples of bridges from around the world, discuss the impact of getting the bridges right today for future generations to come, and learn how to get involved!

For more information about LivableStreets Better Bridge Campaign, click here
Questions regarding the StreetTalk? [email protected] / 617-621-1746

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Help Fix The River Street/Western Ave Bridges

We all know river street and western ave need some work, the bike lanes are lakes (frozen at this time of year) and pot hole central (I may or may not have broken my collar bone on one). Go tell these people you want bike lanes, and bike accommodations on river street, western ave, and the bridges! These are major bike corridors and need a lot of improvement.

Press release below

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The Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Highway Division Invites You to a Public Information Meeting for the River Street Bridge/Western Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Project

Wednesday, February 3, 2010
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Honan-Allston Branch Library
300 North Harvard Street, Allston, MA

The purpose of this meeting is to provide an overview of the proposed rehabilitation of the historic River Street and Western Avenue Bridges, introduce MassDOT’s design team, answer questions and gather comments.

The River Street Bridge/Western Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Project is being undertaken by MassDOT as part of the Commonwealth’s Accelerated Bridge Program. The goals of the project are to improve structural integrity and enhance accessibility. The main objectives are to repair deteriorating elements of the bridges, upgrade structural capacity and improve local street connections and accessibility. The proposed rehabilitation will respect the documented historic status of these landmark structures and preserve as many of the original elements as possible. The River Street Bridge was constructed in 1926 and the Western Avenue Bridge was constructed in 1924. Both bridges are listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places and serve as primary connections between Cambridge and Boston.

If you have questions or would like more information about the project, please contact Robert Antico, MassDOT Highway Division Project Manager, [email protected].

To be added to the project email or US Mail distribution lists, please contact Stephanie Boundy, Public Outreach Coordinator for MassDOT’s Accelerated Bridge Program, at 617-973-8049 or [email protected].

The library is accessible. To request language or access accommodations, please contact Stephanie Boundy at the above email address or phone number at least 10 days in advance. In case of inclement weather, meeting cancellation announcements will be posted on http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/Highway/.

Please share this notice with others who may be interested in the project.

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Upcoming Local Public Meeting About Bridges

Get out there and let them know about your bike related needs, and wants! A squeaky wheel gets the greasing!

Accelerated Bridge Program: January 14, 2009, 6pm

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has scheduled a public meeting to discuss projects the agency will undertake as part of Governor Patrick’s $3 billion Accelerated Bridge Program. DCR projects in the Accelerated Bridge Program include the repair or replacement of 29 bridges and preservation work on an additional 50 bridges. At the meeting, DCR officials will provide an overview of the projects, outline the community process, and highlight the schedule of upcoming public meetings. DCR held public meetings earlier this year to discuss the repairs and rehabilitation work planned in 2009 on the BU Bridge and Craigie Dam and Drawbridges, both of which cross over the Charles River between Boston and Cambridge. Other Charlers River Basin projects planned for 2009 include the Magazine Beach pedestrian bridge in Cambridge and the Mystic Valley Parkway over Alewife Brook in Somerville. The meeting will be held at the Boston Public Library, Rabb Auditorium.

MassBike is working closely with the DCR to ensure that these projects work for bicyclists, so please consider attending this meeting to show public support for the inclusion of bicycling.

Click here for more info about the Accelerated Bridge Program

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